New England Fall: Favorite Farms Near Boston

Happy fall, y’all! Now that the world has opened up again, I feel so fortunate to live in Boston in the fall. Marked by the most colorful foliage in the country, there is no question that New England is the best place to be during the autumn months…there’s just nothing quite like sipping a hot cider while surrounded by that crisp ocean air and the changing leaves.

While New Englanders know that the top states to travel to during the autumn months are Vermont and New Hampshire, you don’t have to leave Massachusetts to enjoy all that a New England fall has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to be in the Boston area from September-November, driving around the rural outskirts of the city and exploring the plethora of farms in the area is a fun way to soak up those New England fall vibes close to home. So, if you’re searching for some charming, picturesque farms to pick apples, buy pumpkins, cider donuts, and whatever else your autumn heart desires, look no further! Below are my two favorite farms in the Boston area.

RUSSELL ORCHARDS • 143 ARGILLA RD, IPSWICH, MA

Distance: 50 min. drive (35 miles) from Boston
Russell Orchards is the best place to pick your own fruit…this means berries in the summer and, of course, apples in the fall. If you visit in September and October, the farm will take you on a hay ride to the apple orchard.
Russell Orchards is not only a farm, but also a winery! Who doesn’t love a good bottle of wine after a day of apple picking? Inside the farm store you will find a dozen varieties of wines and hard ciders that Russell makes in-house. There is also a cozy tasting room where you can taste test some of the yummy wines they produce.
Inside the farm store, you’ll find a whole collection of Russell-branded apparel, farm-themed knick knacks, fresh apple cider, and cider doughnuts. ⇢ Tip: If you have the will power, I suggest waiting until you get to Tendercrop Farm (see below) for more flavorful doughnuts.
If size matters to you, Russell Orchards is definitely one of the larger farms in the area. Aside from the farm store and orchards, there is also a pumpkin patch, duck pond and a huge barnyard that houses chickens, horses, sheep, goats and Little Lulu, the most massive pig you will ever lay eyes on.
Summing It Up: While the farm store offers somewhat limited options compared to other farms in the area, Russell Orchards is the farm to visit if you’re looking for an afternoon full of fall-themed activities. This place is super popular, so make sure you get there earlier in the day to avoid the crowd.

TENDERCROP FARM • 108 HIGH RD, NEWBURY, MA

Distance: 50 min. drive (38 miles) from Boston
Tendercrop’s shop offers a great variety of fresh, homegrown produce (hello, squash lovers!), organic meats and baked goods. ⇢ If you’re searching for the best cider doughnut in the area, this is the place to go! There is also a cute display of home goods upstairs.
Tendercrop has an amazing array of pumpkins to choose from, which are all reasonably priced and most likely cheaper than what you’ll find at any other grocery store. Also, if you’re in the market for some seasonal plants to spice up your home, Tendercrop has a beautiful garden shop right outside with a variety of flowers, plants, herbs and other potted vegetables for you to buy.
Right outside there is barn with adorable baby ducks, bunnies, and even a llama and bison that you can interact with.
Summing It Up: While Tendercrop doesn’t offer the same activities as Russell Orchards (no apple picking or wine tasting), it is the better farm to visit if you’re in the market for fresh produce, cheap pumpkins, mums and other plants, and a delicious cider doughnut. Tendercrop is by far less touristy than Russell Orchards and offers that true homegrown New England farm experience.